I read with much interest your editorial on climate change and how we must forge a viable exit plan in minimizing the loss Oahu’s beachfronts and shoreline generally (“Face hard truths to save beaches,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Dec. 16).

There are good examples of other entities and countries taking rising sea levels with very viable coastal preservation policies and approaches.

Currently, a significant area of the Netherlands is below sea level, but because of the efficient use of pumping stations and dikes along with beach sand replenishment, the Netherlands are more prepared than ever before.

We should look to the Netherlands for practical examples on how to tackle rising sea level encroachment in Honolulu and all of Hawaii.

Jay Pineda

Waikiki

A kinder, gentler time

In the spirit of this holiday season, and after what some consider a particularly divisive election year, we invite you, dear readers, to write in about kindness — something so special, touching or positive that it should be shared with our community.

Send a 150-word letter, or a commentary at 500-600 words, to letters@staradvertiser.com by Dec. 19 evening. A collection of these will run on Dec. 23, just before Christmas.

Click here to read more Letters to the Editor.